Unbound Pages: Banned-book clubs unite readers and activists of all ages
We speak with three founders of banned-book clubs about why they decided to create reader groups to encourage the freedom to read in their communities.
Music & Culture Events
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In Person
Illuminate Bach: A Holiday Celebration!
Celebrate the season with Illuminate Bach: A Holiday Celebration! Filmed live in GBH’s Fraser Performance Studio, this festive concert program showcases the radiant spirit of J.S. Bach’s music — from sacred works that evoke the wonder and reverence of the holidays, including Part Five of his Christmas Oratorio, to the lyrical charm of his Oboe Concerto in D minor. The evening also features “Winter Breviary,” a set of three carols by Reena Esmail that draw on cultural traditions of Indian and Western themes and music. The performance will be led by Emmanuel Music Artistic Director Ryan Turner and hosted by Brian McCreath, host of The Bach Hour on CRB Classical 99.5. Illuminate Bach offers audiences a moment to reflect, rejoice, and join an annual tradition shared with viewers and listeners across Massachusetts through upcoming broadcasts on GBH 2, NEPM, and CRB Classical 99.5. This program is made possible by the Mattina R. Proctor Foundation.
7:00pm: Doors open to GBH's Yawkey Atrium
7:15pm: Reception in Yawkey Atrium
8:00pm: Illuminate Bach: A Holiday Celebration! begins in Fraser Performance Studio. Seating is general admission.
This event is presented with support from our sponsor, Xfinity.
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In Person
Let it Snow! with the Rasa Quartet at the Boston Public Library
GBH Music welcomes the Rasa String Quartet to the Boston Public Library for a free holiday program, hosted by CRB Classical 99.5 midday host Edyn-Mae Stevenson! Let it Snow! features heartwarming folk tunes, holiday traditionals, and classic hits from the most wonderful time of the year. Take shelter at the BPL and warm up with an hour of festive, live music.
Formed in 2019, the Rasa String Quartet brings together violinists Emma Powell and Maura Shawn Scanlin, violist Kiyoshi Hayashi, and cellist Mina Kim. The Rasa String Quartet is dedicated to exploring the musical space where classical and folk traditions intersect and influence one another. In Sanskrit, the term ‘rasa’ refers to the indescribable power of art to move, inspire, and connect us—a quality Rasa String Quartet strives to embody in every performance. The Rasa String Quartet will perform four free concerts at the BPL throughout the 2025-2026 GBH Music Season. -
In Person
Outspoken Saturdays (December 2025)
The GBH BPL studio will host Outspoken Saturdays, a spoken word poetry event for emerging artists. Every first Saturday of the month, the series will be created in collaboration with spoken word artist Amanda Shea. Join us!
Registration is encouraged for this free event.
GBH Music on YouTube
Culture in the News
Cécile McLorin Salvant faces her fears in her new album, "Oh Snap"
Cécile McLorin Salvant never intended to release the songs on her new album, "Oh Snap." Her work has explored Haitian folk music, jazz standards, and blues, but her new album is almost all original, and faces her fears head on. She's performing Saturday, November 1st at the Berklee Performance Center.
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